​The electric blues guitarist speaks about learning to relax with his playing, why he was never mad about his age being such a subject of fascination, and the album he played to drive his grandpa nuts.

The blues pianist (and son of Jim) adds some soul into the mix on his upcoming new album, which features appearances from Vince Gill and Steve Cropper, and a song co-written with the late Leon Russell.

Rick Griffin, died after being forced off the road by a van he was attempting to pass on his Harley Heritage Softail motorbike. One of his best known album covers was for the Grateful Dead's 'Aoxomoa' LP, and the legendary "Flying Eyeball" poster he designed for a series of concerts in San Francisco featuring the

Singer/songwriter Julien Baker has announced her new album, Turn Out the Lights, and shared its first single, "Appointments." Turn Out the Lights is due out October 27 via Matador, her first for the label. Below is "Appointments," followed by the album's tracklist and cover art, as well as her upcoming tour dates.

Prolific Melbourne psych-rock adventurers King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard have already stated their intentions to release five albums this year and they already released two: Flying Microtonal Banana, back in February, and Murder of the Universe, back in June, both via ATO.

Radiohead drummer Philip Selway has announced a new solo album, which is the soundtrack to the film Let Me Go, and has shared the album's title track. Let Me Go is due out digitally September 15 to coincide with the film's release date, and physically October 27, both via Bella Union.

Australian experimental musician Kirin J Callinan released a new album, Bravado, back in June via Terrible Records. Now he's shared a video for "Big Enough." Danny Cohen directed the clip, which takes Callinan to the old west.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart are releasing a new album, The Echo of Pleasure, on September 1 via the band's own label, Painbow. Previously they shared Echo songs "Anymore" and "When I Dance With You," as well as a video for "When I Dance With You." Now they have shared another song from the album, "My Only." […]

Nick Cave: Mercy on Me is a new biographical graphic novel about Nick Cave that spans from his childhood to his work with The Birthday Party and The Bad Seeds and comes from German writer/artist Reinhard Kleist, who has previously done graphic novels on Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

Weezer have announced a new album, Pacific Daydream, and shared an amusing visual for its new single, "Mexican Fender." Pacific Daydream is due out October 27 via Crush Music/Atlantic. The "Mexican Fender" visual features a seagull that is obsessed with a woman in a bathing suit on the beach.

On tour, it's not unusual for Downtown Boys' frontwoman Victoria Ruiz to wake up at 6 a.m. and field conference calls for the Center for Popular Democracy, all day, until show time. Day jobs are a fact of life for almost anyone in a band, minus pop stars and rock and roll fossils, but vary rarely do they align so purely with a group's philosop […]

Toronto-based indie-pop four-piece Alvvays are releasing a new album, Antisocialites, on September 8 via Polyvinyl. Previously the band shared its first single, album opener "In Undertow," as well as a trippy lo-fi video for the song, and its second single, "Dreams Tonite."

Let's be honest here. For most listeners, covers albums are often trite at worst and at best, are faithful reproductions of the work of the artists that they intend to pay tribute to. This applies as well as to many works like these, where an artist covers an album from start to finish.

Miami artist continues his graceful evolution...Kaixen has enjoyed a varied path through life. Raised in Miami, the multi-instrumentalist was initially drawn towards left field jazz, before immersing himself in electronic innovation. Perpetually evolving, he became an economics major at college before deciding to cut himself loose and concentrate on music. N […]

A hypnotic intro from the super-cool Australians...Slum Sociable are part of a new wave of energy in Australia's music scene. A group with a vivid, outward reach, the band recently decamped to London to focus on their debut album. Working alongside producer Rich Cooper, the band proved themselves more than capable of accepting fresh influences. Fusing t […]

Opening up about 'Music For People In Trouble'...Susanne Sundfør has returned once more to grace our ears with her new, exceptional, sixth studio album ‘Music For People In Trouble’, which is out next week. Clash caught up with the Scandinavian talent to dig deep into the album’s roots, and to understand the importance of being an artist who follow […]

Hazy noise pop from Barcelona...The Zephyr Bones are currently based in Barcelona, a city that has always welcomed outsiders. Two of the band have their roots in Chile, and this cross-Atlantic conversation results in some wonderfully absorbing noise pop shapes. New album 'Secret Place' arrives on November 10th, with Clash able to premiere a hazy, o […]

A remarkable, self-built universe...CÉCI is a Danish artist based in London. Immersing herself in the capital's creative community, the musician - real name - Cecilie Dahlin absorbs influence across the arts. New single 'Tight' is a case in point. Written by CÉCI, it's also self-produced, while the visuals are all her own creation, too. A […]

'Thrown Over The Wall' is a droning, hypnotic piece of music...Lee Ranaldo has shared a startling acoustic version of 'Thrown Over The Wall'. The guitarist will release new album 'Electric Trim' on September 15th, produced in collaboration with Raül ‘Refree’ Fernandez. Lee Ranaldo is able to share a new acoustic clip, a performa […]

Ibiza legends deliver a taste of sunshine...Mambo Brothers are intricately associated with the spirit of Ibiza. The pair pushed the island’s iconic Café Mambo, before becoming producers and stellar DJs in their own right. Currently holding down a residency at vital nightspot Hï Ibiza, Mambo Brothers are currently prepping a new EP. Set to drop tomorrow (Augu […]

New album 'Antisocialites' incoming...Alvvays has shared wonderful new song 'Plimsole Punks' - tune in now. The title is a nod towards 'Part Time Punks' by the Television Personalities, while the titular plimsole was of course the footwear of choice for any self-respecting 80s indie kid. From the lilting guitar line down to that […]

New EP 'I'm Not Alright' out now...John Joseph Brill seems to create entire worlds with each song. The songwriter's new EP 'I'm Not Alright' is out now, and the striking imagery seems to evolve and envelope you on each song. The arrangements are often simple, allowing each word to hammer home, driven by Brill's earnest […]

Spine-chilling new track 'Appointments' is online now...Julien Baker is set to release new album 'Turn Out The Lights' on October 27th. The songwriter was picked up by Matador earlier this year, who gave her enthralling debut album a wider release. Working from Ardent studios in Memphis, Julien Baker sketched out new material across a ser […]

Whitesnake had already released a string of Top 10 albums in England before the band conquered the world in 1987 with their eponymous record, also known in some countries as 1987, which was certified multi-platinum and featured the smash single Here I Go Again. The classic album turns 30 this year and Rhino is celebrating... Read more

According to their official website, the Atlanta KISS Expo has announced that former KISS guitarist, Vinnie Vincent, will be their special guest, next year. Vincent will be signing autographs and taking photos during the special VIP Meet & Greet on Friday, January 19th, 2018, as well as all day long at the Atlanta Kiss Expo... Read more

For the past eight years, Alice In Chains vocalist/guitarist Jerry Cantrell and bassist Mike Inez have hosted the Alice In Chains & Friends Fantasy Football League & Auction, donating a spectacular collection of signed musical instruments, memorabilia and experiences for an online auction to benefit organizations like Music For Relief and MusiCares. […]

Been a crazy past week. Had a great shoot for a new TBA TV show last Thursday in Sturgis. Interviewed George Thorogood, Jesse James DuPree, shot some guns, rode a motorcycle, visited Buffalo Chip & Full Throttle. Had a blast. Air details TBA. Also had a good time hosting Sierra View Music Festival this past... Read more

Scotti Hill of Skid Row joined the August 7th episode of Another FN Podcast to tell stories about his youth, learning to play guitar, how Skid Row got together, Dimebag Darrell, the KISS Farewell Tour, and more, but eventually the elephant in the room made itself known, and the topic of Sebastian Bach, came up.... Read more

Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott spoke with Steve Baltin of Forbes. Excerpts from the interview appear below. Baltic: …For me, I got into Def Leppard during Pyromania, so that will always be the seminal album for me. Elliott: I got into David Bowie during Ziggy Stardust and then backtracked to Hunky Dory, which I adore,... Read more

A sincere thanks to everyone who sent me happy birthday wishes yesterday, much appreciated! All the emails, tweets, etc were so kind. Grateful for the love and support! Live show today on SiriusXM Volume 106 2-4P ET, then I head straight to the airport and fly to Sturgis SD. Tomorrow I shoot the first episode... Read more

Rock Scene reports: A “scholar of metal and all that rocks!”, Eddie Trunk got his first taste of “heavy music” around the age of ten. A band called the Raspberries was playing on A.M. radio. Eddie was immediately hooked and had his parents buy him all four of their records. It was all Raspberries all... Read more

Few metal bands have been as influential and have had the longevity as Diamond Head – listed as a major influence by two of metal’s biggest, Metallica and Megadeth. Led by co-founding member/guitarist Brian Tatler, Diamond Head will be launching a North American tour that will include both US and Canadian dates, beginning on August... Read more

The inaugural Sawdust City Music Festival takes over Gravenhurst, Ontario this August long weekend. Running from August 4th – 6th the festival features performances from a plethora of talented artists from the area and all over Canada. Whether you want to check out the Muskoka music scene or experience the Jim Cuddy Family Band perform [...] Sawdust City Mus […]

We sat down with John Calabrese, bassist of Danko Jones to talk about the band's impressive 20+ year career, most memorable moments and their newest album Wild Cat. Interview: Danko Jones by Chart Attack | Chart Attack.

A Toronto music staple Lemon Bucket Orkestra had humble origins as buskers in Kensington Market, the band’s ringleader Mark Marczyk spoke to the Chart Attack team about the evolution of LBO and their drive to keep performing live for (and with) their ever-growing audiences. The Lemon Bucket Orkestra by Chart Attack | Chart Attack.

Mix Master Mike put on an epic show in Quebec City on Friday and again in Toronto last night. We chatted with him about his tour with Metallica and his new Virtual Reality work. Interview: Mix Master Mike by Chart Attack | Chart Attack.

The Dirty Nil played one of their biggest shows in Canada yesterday. We caught up with the band just before the show to talk about opening for The Who, touring and Minimum R&B. Interview: The Dirty Nil by Chart Attack | Chart Attack.

A Tribe Called Red played their biggest show in Quebec yesterday at Festival d'été de Québec. We caught up with Bear Witness just prior to the festival to talk about We are the Halluci Nation. Interview: A Tribe Called Red by Chart Attack | Chart Attack.

Follow the Nest

Today’s song is a throwaway moment that resulted in a gem. After three solid albums with the Commotions, Lloyd Cole broke up the band and moved to New York. After settling in to his new environs and meeting a number of sympathetic musicians — including guitarist Robert Quine — he recorded his first solo album. […]

Chicago – Kevin Morby has shared the stunning new video for the contemplativeCity Music standout “Downtown’s Lights.” Directed by Hugo Jouxtel and shot in Paris, the video – like the album – is a paean to the cities of the world, with the City of Lights taking center stage. Kevin offers the following insight into the video for “Downtown’s Continue Reading → […]

Los Angeles – LA rock quartet Together Pangea have shared a new music video for “Money On It”, off their forthcoming new album Bulls and Roosters, which is due out August 25th via Nettwerk. The video was directed by FIDLAR bassist Brandon Schwartzel. Bulls and Roosters is available for preorder HERE. Fans who pre-order the Continue Reading → The post Togeth […]

New York – Highly Suspect has announced another string of US headlining tour dates this October/November. Touring through major markets, the band is playing headline shows as well as making an appearance at Spaceland Block Party, Aftershock Festival and more. The band is also heading to Europe for a handful of festival appearances and headlining shows this C […]

New York – Today Cigarettes After Sex have announced their world tour dates stretching into 2018, already selling out their NYC and LA Shows! The band released their debut self-titled LP on June 9th, garnering rave reviews throughout 2017. Their hit single “Nothings Gonna Hurt You Baby” was featured on the Emmy nominated TV show “The Handmaid’s Continue Read […]

Nashville – JD McPherson is set to return with Undivided Heart & Soul on October 6th, 2017. The 11-song set was produced by McPherson and Dan Molad (Lucius, Tweedy), and was recorded at the Historic RCA Studio B™ in Nashville, TN.Undivided Heart & Soul is McPherson’s first studio album in three years and follows his critically acclaimed Let The Good […]

Album Review: Walker Lukens – Devoted

If Harry Nilsson, Paul Simon, and Warren Zevon had a love child, his name would be Walker Lukens. This Austin settled, by wayof Houston and New York City musician is that good, and with his new album Devoted he has managed to combine the raw, vulnerable musings of Nilsson, the pop sensibility of Simon, and the “on the edge” coolest guy in the room vibe of Warren at his Excitable Boy peak.

With the current Mumford-ization trend that is so popular in today’s musical landscape, it is somewhat of a refreshing change to find a record that is equally, if not more enjoyable than any of the recent releases by Mumford and Sons, The Lumineers, or Dawes, that does not make use of the trendy mandolin or dobra, a refreshing change that is worth the price of admission alone.

With song titles like “Drunk Logic,” “The Night I Was Kissed by Patti Smith,” and “Kindle to Your Fire,” titles that would Make Tom Waits blush, Devoted is an old-school soul with an Indie heart sort of listen. The lyrics were all written during a 2012 East Coast tour, a spirit that somewhat flows through the record as the moods and sequencing have a certain next day, new city feel.

The album opens with the piano chords of “Drunk Logic” a somewhat mournful effort where Walker laments that all his friends have steady lovers and have all gone away, a sentiment that seems to get even a bit sadder as the poignantly placed organ drifts in toward the last 1/3 of the song. I can’t remember a song with just a voice, a couple of piano chords, and an organ that sounded so good. I would have placed this selection towards the end of the record, but that minor nuance aside, this is an all-encompassing, moving song.

“I Was Kissed by Patti Smith,” a song that could have been on any Paul Simon album, ups the fun quotient a bit, and while it never does mention Patti Smith directly, it does leave the first time listener wondering what they are in store for next after a pair of numbers that are pretty disparate in mood, but are both artistically elegant in their own way.

My first exposure to this album was by way of the first video “Dear Someone,” a brilliantly made stop action video, where the song, an almost epic sounding slice of power pop, combined with the visuals is certainly top notch.

The song “Brunch People” could have been on a before substance abuse took its toll Harry Nilsson record, with super production value complete with orchestral string arrangements that provided a real W-T-F moment for me. I even had to sit down, take another sip of McAllen 10 year, my go to choice for good music listening, just to make sure I had not been transported by way of some way-back machine all the way to the year 1979. This is a seriously good tune.

“Kindle to your Fire” is somewhat of a departure in that it has a more contemporary electronica sort of feel to it with a strong lead from Walker and almost Beach Boy style vocals in the background. This song is one of those tunes that definitely is more than the sum of its parts. I am still trying to wrap my ears around this one. As someone that likes to describe songs in terms of influence, this song does indeed flummox me. Changing moods from Beach Boys, to a tinge of Doo Wop, all the way to James Murphy and LCD Soundsystem, this song pleasantly and sublimely soothes me. Let’s just say it is brilliant, I like it, and we will leave it at that.

Devoted, is as polished an album as you will hear all year, by an artist that deserves to be a years in the making overnight success. My only hope is that this album finds an audience. When JFK in Scotland asks me where he can get the album on his side of the pond, and Larry in Chicago compares Walker favorably to Harry Nilsson, I wonder that since they are both roughly 2 ½ times the age of the concert goer that recently attended the cd release party in Austin, could one single album appeal to such a wide demographic and still be successful.

I say Hell to the Yeah!

And Walker, I will stand on Phil Ochs’ peach crate, inside of Woody Guthrie’s empty boxcar, in the middle of a Nebraska cornfield during a protest, with a satellite feed from farm aid, and loudly proclaim that Devoted is not a folk record, and Walker Lukens is not a folk singer.